MIRAMAR, Fla.–Tropical Financial Credit Union said it is redesigning and reimagining its branches to better connect with today’s consumer. Most recently, it relocated its Planation branch to 8247 West Sunrise Boulevard.
“With mobile and online banking, our members aren’t visiting branches or using drive-throughs as much as they once did,” said Rich Helber, president and CEO of Miramar-based Tropical Financial. “So, it’s given us an opportunity to re-look at what we are doing with our space and create something fresh and tech relevant for the times.”
The new Plantation branch is located in an open air retail center with a more efficient footprint—roughly two-thirds the size of the former branch, the credit union said. It features an open architecture with teller pods instead of traditional enclosed counters that promote more intimate interactions with tellers.
As members or prospective members come in to open a new account or apply for a loan, they will be encouraged to use the “tech bar” while waiting to talk to a representative. The section features four iPads in which people can use and educate themselves on what the credit union has to offer.
“Once opened, the tech bar will give people an opportunity to self-discover products and services they are most interested in while waiting to sit down with one of our loan officers,” said Brian Burress, vice president of retail operations. “It also gives them a taste for our online banking platform.”
Branch visitors can also learn about credit union offerings by watching a series of financial education videos from a large flat-screen in the lobby. Tropical TV, as it’s called, showcases various products and services and has demonstrations on how to use free resources that come with being a member.
Helber said Tropical Financial plans on redesigning all of its existing and future branches over time. In addition to Plantation, the credit union recently relocated its Coral Springs branch and has plans to relocate is Kendall branch in the near future. There is a total of 10 branch locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and provides online-banking only in six other Florida counties.